PHOTOGRAPHY: RoyalReel Photography IG @royalreelphotography
Makeup: Nzilani Kimani IG @nzilanikimani
HAIR: Ronald Asumbo IG @crownedbyronnie
STYLING: Catherine Njeri Kariuki IG @fashionablestepmum
ASSISTANT: Susan Gitonga IG @sungitdiaries
SHOT ON LOCATION: The Lofts, Kilimani
From the outside looking in Catherine Njeri Kariuki, 35 is indefectible: elegant fashion sense, impeccable makeup and envious travel lifestyle.
Without knowing her life story (and by just looking at her Instagram feed) you may even begin to believe her life has always been this picture-perfect. But Catherine has suffered loss, has struggled with self-confidence and battled with weight and issues that come with it.
Three years ago she rolled into our lives with her blog, Fashionable Step Mum, talking about all things blended family, beauty, lifestyle and fashion.
And from then on she has continued to snatch our hearts with her tales of raising her brood of six (adopted children Tito-25 and Nanyut-17, stepchildren Michelle-22, Joshua20, Katricia-19 and eight-year-old biological son Shawn) while rocking some seriously stylish albeit modest outfits.
‘I wanted to share my journey as a stepmom. At the time I had been a stepmom for about 9 years. All that time I did not have any reference point of how to do it right. There were no books or anyone to talk to about what it really means to be a stepmom and for the longest time I couldn’t find a support system.’
So the stylish and witty mom decided to fuse the heavy topic of a blended family with fashion
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RADIO HEADS
Known for their pleasant voices and eloquent English, Cate Sidede, Terry Muikamba and Anne Mwaura open up about life on air, their personal struggles and why they love radio.
WHY SO INSECURE?
Creating false realities inside your head based on assumptions is highly likely in any relationship. PRISCILLA WAIRIMU says acknowledging this is a problem is the first step in the right direction.
TOGETHER, APART
Are you in a long-distance relationship? Are you tired of hearing all the messages of doom from people who swear your relationship is bound to fail? ALISON SIFUMA shows you how to foster your connection despite the space between.
THE BEAT KILLER
Amos Njenga Chege aka Magix Enga, on producing, forgiving Harmonize for sampling his beats and finally getting into singing.
THE ANTI-SOCIAL STORY TELLER
Muigai Mwangi aka Ndugu Abisai, 30 loves the art of storytelling. He speaks on his love for chai, his biggest fear as a writer and the Soap opera he is currently writing.
The Making Of A Popstar
Her first EP (Extended Play Record) is ruling the airwaves and Tanasha Donna wants you to know that despite her heartbreak and being a new mom she is on her way to superstardom.
IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP FUN?
A relationship can sometimes feel boring. This is a phase that comes and goes. However there are certain circumstances where feelings of relationship boredom are not a phase but are permanent.
MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY
Anxiety is like a toddler, it never stops talking, tells you constantly that it wants its own way, and keeps you up when you are trying to sleep.
INDOOR CAMPING
No indoor plans for the Easter Holiday? MERCY RAPHA shows you how to make indoor camping a forever memory for your kids.
6 FUN HOUSE-BOUND ACTIVITIES
Stuck with the kids at home this lockdown season? MERCY RAPHA gives you fun activities to turn boredom into bonding time.